Abstract

In this study, Co/Cu-decorated carbon nanofibers are introduced as novel electrocatalyst
for methanol oxidation. The introduced nanofibers have been prepared based on graphitization
of poly(vinyl alcohol) which has high carbon content compared to many polymer precursors
for carbon nanofiber synthesis. Typically, calcination in argon atmosphere of electrospun
nanofibers composed of cobalt acetate tetrahydrate, copper acetate monohydrate, and
poly(vinyl alcohol) leads to form carbon nanofibers decorated by CoCu nanoparticles.
The graphitization of the poly(vinyl alcohol) has been enhanced due to presence of
cobalt which acts as effective catalyst. The physicochemical characterization affirmed
that the metallic nanoparticles are sheathed by thin crystalline graphite layer. Investigation
of the electrocatalytic activity of the introduced nanofibers toward methanol oxidation
indicates good performance, as the corresponding onset potential was small compared
to many reported materials; 310 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl electrode) and a current density of
12 mA/cm2 was obtained. Moreover, due to the graphite shield, good stability was observed.
Overall, the introduced study opens new avenue for cheap and stable transition metals-based
nanostructures as non-precious catalysts for fuel cell applications.